As of September 01, 2026, the average salary for an Entry Software Systems Developer in the United States is $79,900 per year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $38.
However, an Entry Software Systems Developer's salary can vary significantly. Here’s a look at the typical salary range:
Entry Software Systems Developer Salaries by Percentile
| Annual Salary |
Monthly Pay |
Weekly Pay |
Hourly Wage |
|
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $86,400 | $7,200 | $1,662 | $42 |
| Average | $79,900 | $6,658 | $1,537 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,100 | $6,092 | $1,406 | $35 |
An Entry Software Systems Developer's salary isn't a fixed number. It's shaped by several important factors. Below, we'll explore how your years of experience, geographic location and company size can directly affect your earning potential.
Experience is a primary driver of an Entry Software Systems Developer's salary. As you build your skills and take on more complex tasks, your compensation generally increases. Here's how the average salary grows at different career stages:
| Job Role | Years of Experience | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Software Systems Developer | 0-2 years | $79,844 |
| Intermediate Software Systems Developer | 2-4 years | $109,714 |
| Senior Software Systems Developer | 4-7 years | $128,727 |
| Systems Applications Developer IV | 7+ years | $143,184 |
| Systems Applications Developer V | 7-10 years | $165,981 |
Demanded Skills for the Role:
| Skills | Demand Percentage |
|---|---|
| Risk Management | 4.09% |
| Operating System | 2.44% |
| ISO | 2.05% |
Mastering certain specialized skills can lead to a significant increase in pay. Here are examples of skills and the potential impact they can have on an Entry Software Systems Developer's salary.
| Skill | Salary | Salary % Increase |
|---|---|---|
| Application Security | $103,071 | |
| Virtualization | $90,287 | |
| Information Security | $88,689 |
Entry Software Systems Developer salary potential scales significantly with company size. Data shows that Enterprise companies (5,000+ employees) pay the highest average salary at around $89,292. While startup companies pay approximate $75,532.
| Company Size | Employees | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Startup | 1~50 | $75,532 |
| Growth Stage | 51~500 | $79,882 |
| Established | 501~5000 | $86,222 |
| Enterprise | 5000+ | $89,292 |
Understanding how an Entry Software Systems Developer's annual salary breaks down can help with budgeting. Below, you can see the average hourly rate, weekly pay, and monthly pay for this role. Use the buttons to switch between different pay periods.
| Annual Salary | Monthly Pay | Weekly Pay | Hourly Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 75th Percentile | $86,400 | $7,200 | $1,662 | $42 |
| Average | $79,900 | $6,658 | $1,537 | $38 |
| 25th Percentile | $73,100 | $6,092 | $1,406 | $35 |
Next Role
Advancement
Promotions are the fastest way to increase your earnings. As an Entry Software Systems Developer, you have the following paths for advancement. The table below compares the salary raises for common next-step roles. By comparing these figures, you can choose the career path that best meets your financial goals.
| Next Step Role | Estimate Salary | Projected Raise |
|---|---|---|
| Intermediate Software Systems Developer | $109,800 | 37% |
| Enterprise Applications Developer II | $103,300 | 29% |
| Enterprise Systems Engineer II | $101,600 | 27% |
| Intermediate Operating Systems Programmer | $96,100 | 20% |
Salaries for an Entry Software Systems Developer can change over time, reflecting shifts in market demand and the overall economy. The median salary decreased from $77,001 in 2023 to around $76,822 in 2025, reflecting changes in demand, location, experience, and the wider economy. For a detailed analysis of Entry Software Systems Developer salary trends, .
| Year | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 2022 | View More |
| 2023 | $77,001 |
| 2024 | $77,303 |
| 2025 | $76,822 |
| 2026 |
View More
|
| 2027 |
View More
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The Aerospace & Defense industry offers the highest average compensation for Entry Software Systems Developer roles, with salaries approximately 20% above the market median.
While various engineering fields offer high salaries, Entry Software Systems Engineers have a competitive salary range. The minimum salary is $71,500, the mid-range salary is $79,200, and the maximum salary can reach $88,900. This positions them well among other engineering careers, though fields like petroleum and aerospace engineering typically offer higher median salaries.
The beginning salary for an Entry Software Systems Engineer typically ranges from $71,500 to $88,900 annually, with a mid-range salary of about $79,200. This reflects the competitive nature of the industry and the demand for skilled engineers.
An entry-level software engineer typically engages in basic troubleshooting, testing, and debugging tasks. They may also contribute to developing new features or enhancing existing ones through coding. Salaries for this role range from $71,500 to $88,900, with a median salary of $79,200, reflecting the skills and responsibilities expected at this level.
Yes, Engineer I is considered an entry-level position. Incumbents handle less complex civil engineering tasks under direct supervision, preparing for advancement to Engineer II. The salary for this role ranges from $71,500 to $88,900, with a midpoint of $79,200, reflecting the entry-level nature of the position.
Yes, software engineers can work from home, making it one of the best occupations for remote work. With the right skills and equipment, remote opportunities are abundant. Entry-level software systems engineers can expect salaries ranging from $71,500 to $88,900, with a mid-salary of $79,200, reflecting the demand for their expertise.
The lowest salary for an Entry Software Systems Engineer is $71,500. The average salary typically falls around $79,200, while top earners can make up to $88,900 annually. This data reflects the current salary range for entry-level positions in the field.
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